A popular shop in the heart of Montpelier is under threat after it was put up for sale along with the five-bedroom property above it.

Galliford Stores – situated in the Bath Buildings at the foot of Picton Street – has been put on the market for £850,000.

The freehold for the property includes the five-bedroom maisonette, the large retail unit beneath the property and a cellar storage space.

The sale is being handled by Clifton-based estate agent Allen & Harris.

Describing the property on their website, they write: “A wonderful opportunity to acquire this mixed use investment opportunity, located in the sought after area of Montpellier and within close proximity to Gloucester Road and the City Centre.

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“The retail unit is currently a convenience store and is currently achieving £30,000 per annum. It has the use of a spacious cellar / storage area in the basement area of the building.

Galliford Stores (Image: Michael Lloyd)

“The maisonette currently comprises a living room, kitchen / dining room, five generous bedrooms, study, two bathrooms, cloakrooms to two of the bedrooms and also a further kitchen on the ground floor. There is also a rear yard to the property which is accessed via the cellar.

“The residential part of the property offers the purchaser to create multiple room let subject to the usual planning consents.”

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However, the shop owners have no intention of leaving. SJ Ahmed said: “We own part of the building and have a lease. Whoever was to buy it would have to renew the lease.”

The shop’s lease has ended although the owners are still paying rent to the property owners who live above the building.

Mr Ahmed says he has been waiting for the lease to be renewed so he can carry out a much needed revamp of the store, which has been delayed by “discrepancies”.

Mr Ahmed Salim, owner of the building, said: "We are selling the property completely - two shops including the business and 6 bedrooms maisonette), to pursue another investment opportunity outside the UK.

"The shop tenant's claims of owning part of the building are completely invalid.

"The shop lease is over many years ago and the new owner(s) has no obligation to renew the lease with the current tenant.

"The property has been put u[ for sale as a vacant possession.

"Current tenant SJ Ahmed very interested in buying the property but they are speculating to get it by lower price."

When the site sells it is not yet clear whether the popular convenience store will remain or whether the new owners will choose to convert it into more homes or something else entirely.